hiding

This is a fun depression sesh

"You should slow down." Marco chastened Thatch as he downed another mug of sake.

"What got shoved up your ass?" Thatch laughed, already motioning for another round.

"Ooh so Alexia is the man in the relationship!" Haruta exclaimed, "I never thought you'd be into that Marco."

"Yoi what relationship?" Marco spit out his sake, glaring at Haruta, "We aren't doing anything! What load of crap are you guys spreading now?"

"Calm down Marco." Vista laughed, "Let the children have their fun!" Thatch and Haruta glared at the finely mustached man.

"Is she any closer to joining us?" Jozu asked.

"I believe so, she's gotten extremely comfortable with us. She said she's considering." Marco nodded.

"Wait she said she would? What else has she told you?!" Thatch looked at Marco excitedly.

"Has she told you where she's from or anything?" Haruta asked as Marco hummed in response.

"Well spill it!"

"Sorry yoi," Marco grinned, "She asked me not to tell, she's not ready for everyone to know everything yet."

"But she told you?" Thatch groaned, dropping his head onto the table, "You're such a stick in the mud! Why would she tell you instead of us?"

"She's more comfortable with Marco, she trusts him more than us." Jozu stated casually.

Marco frowned, thinking about what Jozu said. He never paid much attention to how she treated him versus the rest of the crew. She did seem more comfortable around him, she spent most of her time around him if she wasn't hiding or training.

"She's starting to trust everyone." Marco replied, "She just needs time to get used to everything. Besides, a certain someone didn't understand what don't touch means." He shot Thatch a look.

Thatch held his hands up in defense, giving them all a sheepish look. Just then the door to the tavern burst open causing many patrons to yell out in surprise, several marines entered with guns drawn.

"Member's of the Whitebeard Pirates!" The shortest Marine standing in front called out in a commanding tone, he was maybe 4'8", his hat so big that it kept falling over his eyes, "We have you surrounded! It's best you surrender now!"

All of the men in the small group had stood up, poised to fight; except Marco. Marco took another swig of his sake, before turning on his stool, his usual lazy look donned on his face. He cracked his knuckles and sighed. Just once, he was hoping to relax without having to fight anyone.

"We both know how this ends yoi, so save yourself some embarrassment, and leave us to our drinks." Marco smirked.

"Wha... how dare you insult us. You are criminals, and you are being placed under arrest, as well as the others amongst your crew that are wandering the town!" The Marine yelled in anger.

Marco cursed, his mind flashing to Alexia. She had said she would be too afraid to react against Marines. She had Izo, but if there were just enough Marines to confront the two, she could be harmed while Izo was occupied.

"We need to get to Lexi." Marco hissed low enough for only the rest of the group to hear. They all nodded their heads in understanding.

Marco ran forward, turning into a streak of blue as he went barreling forward, knocking two Marines in his path down. Jozu sent the Marine that had confronted them, crashing thru the wall nearest to him with a simple sweep of his left arm. Vista had knocked the remain few down with his sword. The Marines were easily taken care of. Thatch and Hartua only have to knock down the ones who had tried to get back up. Marco took for the skies, in search of Izo and Alexia, the rest of the group starting their own search on foot.

A small explosion in the distance caught Marco's attention. Approaching fast he found them, surrounded by 7 Marines, more than Izo could handle by himself without Alexia getting drawn in as well. Izo knocked down a Marine as he dashed forward, his sword headed for the cross-dresser. Marco grabbed a Marine from behind with his talons, before tossing him up against the wooden wall of the building next to him. Flames were bursting from the building; it was quickly falling apart.

Alexia was frozen where she stood, tears were streaking her face, her body trembling harshly. Her eyes were wide in terror. A Marine lunged for her, wrapping his hands around her throat as they crashed to the ground, her left shoulder making a sickening pop. Pain flashed thru her, causing her to try and cry out. Her cry was strangled, but noticeable enough to capture Marco's attention. Rage flooded thru him, watching the Marine strike her across the face before returning his hands to her throat, squeezing with crushing force.

Marco sent a flaming fist into the Marine's ribs, satisfied as he heard them crack. The Marine landed on his back next to Alexia, he struggled to get back on his feet. Alexia scooted back towards Marco, her legs too weak from fear to stand, as she gasped for air now being able to breath. Bruises were already forming on her neck. Marco stepped in front of her in a protective stance, a deadly aurora radiated from him; one he planned to act on. He didn't wait for the Marine to get up as he sent a foot into his chin. He sent another fist into the Marine's face, breaking his jaw as blood flew from his lips.

"Please!" The Marine struggled to plead, his words sounding garbled, "I'm sorry, let me go please!"

Marco grabbed him by the front of his jacket, lifting him off the ground. Terror that was in Alexia's eyes now mirrored in the Marines. Marco gave the Marine a harsh glare.

"No one harms one of Whitebeards." Marco stated roughly, his tone sending a shiver through Alexia's body. He brought the Marine close to his own body, grasping the Marine's broken jaw. Marco pulled his arm roughly, as the sound of the Marine's neck breaking filed the air, before leaving only the sound of crackling flames.

Jozu, Vista, Thatch and Haruta had arrived just minutes prior, aiding Izo in making quick work of the remaining Marines. Alexia remained on the ground, racked with fear. Marco turned around, slowly approaching, guilt sinking in. He crouched down next to her, tilting her face up to look at him. Tears no longer fell, but their evidence still remained on her face. He lightly brushed a finger along the forming bruises, fury flashing through his eyes again briefly.

"Lexi yoi," Marco spoke softly, not knowing how to begin to approach her. Thatch stepped forward but Marco held a hand up, stopping him.

"I... I couldn't...I'm so sorry... I tried." Alexia spoke through small sobs. Marco pulled her to him as she cried.

"It will be okay Lexi, we won't let them take you." Jozu raised a questioning eyebrow. Marco shot him a look, hinting at him to stay quiet, "We need to get back to Pops. They weren't here when I first checked the island. We need to figure out where they came from."

Marco easily picked Alexia up, mentally reminding himself that she was still unhealthily underweight; taking to the skies, back to the Moby.